Sincere condolences to Colleen and Stephen and Cyril's girls and grandchildren.
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing .He visited  Newfoundland quite often and we have lots of great memories .
Colleen you were so good to Cyril when he needed you most and for that it is rewarding personally, take care and love to all the family.
Love Agnes and Andy .

I am so very sorry to hear of Cyril's passing. I met him and the rest of your beautiful and welcoming family way back, I was dating his brother Wayne , both very young and shy at the tender age of 14. I often think of you all , I have such fond memories of how your mom and siblings welcomed me into your home. I enjoyed Cyril's company even though it was only a few times. Wayne looks so much like Cyril in this picture. Brings a year to my eye even now. Rest easy dear man. I hope your family in heaven met and greeted you at the gate as I'm certain they did. Please accept my warm and sincere condolences. The rain bow comes and goes.

I could write a book about the times Cyril and I spent together. We both taught together at Sydney Academy for many years; but, our friendship went much deeper.We hiked and set up camp, with other friends, deep in the woods of northern Cape Breton. We went on fishing trips, played cards together and other things male friends do. I could go on but I just want to say that Cyril was not just a fellow teacher or someone I knew....He was a true friend ! Although he is gone ,  my memories will live on.                                                                                                         
      I remember when his beautiful daughters were born. I send them and their families my condolences . Cyril, my friend, Rest In Peace.

I taught with Cyril as a fairly young teacher at Sydney Academy. A gentleman. Always enjoyed our conversations. Deepest condolences to his family.

Sorry to hear of Cyril's passing. I have fond memories of him as a teacher at Ashby Elementary School in grade 5. Condolences to his family.

Dear April, Rachelle & Family,

Sincere condolences on the loss of your much loved Dad. I was very fortunate to have taught with Cyril for a number of years. He was a highly respected teacher who played a major role in the success of the IB Program at Sydney Academy. We had many late night conversations where we covered a wide range of topics in an effort to solve some world issues. A fine & respected teacher & person who never got in a car accident. Cherish your many wonderful memories.

Ray Oake

April & Rochelle,
It's with a heavy heart I am hearing of your dad's passing.   Growing up I knew him as your dad and our Cedar Court neighbour, but in high school he became the most cherished teacher.  Of all the teachers I've had, it's your father who stands out the most and I think of often. 
I'll remember his sense of humour - always good natured picking on my friends and I.  While doing a class read of Hamlet and assigning roles, my friend and I were, of course, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern  - the village idiots.  For MacBeth, we were the witches - the third (and ugliest in his opinion) witch for me.  I can hear him yelling now 'MacLeod!'. 
I am so sorry for your loss.

I took IB English at Sydney Academy and I remember Mr. McGrath as one of the most brilliant and well-respected teachers. One couldn't help but be intrigued by his knowledge and passion for Shakespeare. Grasping the complexity of English literature and understanding the subtlety of poetry were never easy for me, so the way Mr. McGrath just seemed to naturally exude knowledge when exploring these cryptic subjects was astounding. My condolences to the family.

Cyril was my 1st boyfriend.  We were 5 years old and lived across the street from each other on MacAulays Lane.  We broke up when we started school  (Grade Primary ) but remained great friends for many years.  
Colleen and Stephen, I am very sorry for the loss of your brother and uncle.  He was a great guy.   To Cyril's daughters and grandkids, I am sure he will be missed.  I read so many stories written by his  students that  shows the esteem in which your Dad /Granddad  was held. He certainly left his mark on the hearts of those who knew him.

Our deepest condolences to the McGrath Family…..I remember Cyril from my MacAulay’s Lane days as having a kind heart and a gentle soul….His amazing  tributes from his former students  describe the impact he had on many of their lives….Rest in Peace Cyril

My condolences to the family. 
Cyril was an exceptional teacher and human who has had a long lasting impact on so many of us who had him as an English teacher in the IB program. He always encouraged creative and critical thinking, and has had a strong influence on my own career as a professor.
Thank you for everything Cyril.  Rest in peace.

Cyril and my father, Clyde Campbell, taught together at Sydney Academy. My father always said Cyril was a brilliant man. I have fond memories of Cyril, Dad, Donnie Matheson and Carl Curry playing Tarabish in the basement of our home watching the Expos. My sincerest condolences to Cyril’s family during these difficult times.  I only hope the four will meet up in Heaven for an eternal game of Tarabish. 

“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, 
But in ourselves, that we are underlings.”

Cyril was a witty and clever classmate at the Academy.   I remember him well.   My sincere condolences.
Paul M. Walker. 1970 Academy graduating class, 12A

Colleen and Stephen,
 I am so sorry for the loss of your brother and uncle.   May you take comfort in the knowledge of the love and support you provided him with over the last number of years.   I will miss his laugh and smart comebacks.  He was truly one of a kind. 

Sandra Madinsky

We are so sorry for the loss of your dear Brother Cyril our deepest condolences 🙏 He was a nice kind hearted and funny guy God bless you Colleen and Stephen Love Maureen and John ❤️💔

Cyril was the best teacher this writer ever had, his guidance and encouragement was essential to my career. I will always fondly cherish my memories of him, he will be sorely missed.

McGrath Family ,
Deepest condolences to the entire family , Cyril was both a neighbour and  coach . Although I hadn’t seen him in years I often thought of him and the positive impact he had on my life . He was a natural gentleman with a quiet manner yet had a twinkle in his eye.He coached us to the provincial final in 1980 and whenever I run into an old teammate he and that team always come up in the conversation. He had an impact in and outside of the classroom his influence truly far reaching .RIP

April and Rachelle,
I was so very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. The last time I spoke with Cyril he called me to say how sorry he was to hear that Doug died.  We were neighbors for many years and both my sons took English from him at Sydney Academy. Sending love your way.
Bev McGee

Dear April, Rachelle and family.
I offer my sincere condolences to you at this time.
I hold fond memories of, and a great respect for Cyril as a master teacher, mentor and a pillar of the IB Program at Sydney Academy.
He was kind, respectful, and an advocate for his students and they loved him.
He was a valued colleague and mentor and I shall remember him .
May he rest in peace, 
Janet Beaton

Mr. McGrath, I’m so sad to hear about your passing. My condolences and love go out to your daughters and grandchildren and family. You were a legend. You made such an impression on so many of us. You were brilliant and tough and funny and mysterious. You guided us through amazing stories and life lessons and intimidated us to no end. I still remember when you yelled at me for misinterpreting a poem on an exam (in front of everyone) but still gave me marks for  creativity lol. You got us, you got me! I hope any pain you had has been taken away. Thank you for guiding us. Much love.

Dear April and Rachelle. Condolences to you and your families. Take care. 

Garth, Glennis, Lindsay and Robin Nathanson

Sympathy from the Waterman family.  Growing up on MacAulay’s Lane was always an adventure with the kids on the lane outside playing together each and every day.  We all became life-long friends.
We are very sorry for your loss and pray your fond memories of Cyril will be forefront in the days ahead.

I had Mr. McGrath for English for three years at Sydney Academy. I can remember my very first day in his classroom vividly, and I can remember how intimidated I was by his presence the first few weeks. He had such an astonishing memory for Shakespeare. His passion was infectious and I couldn't help but find myself enjoying the works  of The Bard of Avon so much that I kept studying it in university. He had a eclectic taste in literature and broadened my own interests with his selections for the classes. He wasn't just my teacher as he also taught me how to play chess. More like, he taught me how terrible I was at chess. I still loved coming to the after school program he held in his classroom, and relished the chance to play against him even if we were just messing around and I would fall into pretty simple forks. He taught me the French Defense. His passion for his career was undeniable. He loved to share those books and was always willing to put in the extra time with me whenever I had a question. I remember one time I had to do a deconstruction of a Robert Burns poem, but I completely missed the meaning. He still gave me a good mark, but he chuckled as he handed it back. It was those little things that always added to his enigma to me. 

Maybe I'll take one more run at Dickens, Mr. McGrath. Thanks for sharing those stories with me.

My heart goes out to his family. Every time I pass by the Burns statue in Victoria Park downtown in Halifax, I'll think of you.

Rachelle, April, I’m so sorry for your loss! Sending lots of love from Cedar Court!

Dear April, Rachelle, Colleen, Marg and families,
Please accept my condolences on Cyril's passing, I, and many friends were lucky to know him as our soccer coach or teacher at Sydney Academy.  He was always held in very high regard, someone who we respected and appreciated for his caring.
 One fall day back in 1980, Cyril had the entire team to his home  to celebrate a great season, and he cooked a huge spaghetti dinner for us.   He may have used every pot in the house to cook enough pasta for 20 hungry high school players.   
We kept in touch over the years, he liked to hear how our teammates were doing, always having a good work to say.  Most of the team went on to play University soccer for CBU or St. FX, and several players chose a teaching career, maybe in part to the role model that was Cyril McGrath.  Thanks Coach, RIP. 
Ken MacLean,

While I only had Mr. McGrath for one year of IB English, having transferred out of province after, he left a lasting impression on me and my understanding of literature. His dedication to the subject and his passion for sharing this knowledge, particularly regarding Shakespeare, was evident every day in the classroom. I am confident that Cyril’s teaching encouraged many, like myself, to pursue further study in literature - both in and out of the classroom. He will be missed. My condolences to Rachelle and the rest of the family.

Cyril’s passion for English  literature  was evident from day one in his classroom, and I got to spend all of my high school English classes with him - an opportunity to live in his passion for Shakespeare’s works & build on my own love for it.  I have a  daughter in high school now, and her course work keeps fondly reminding me of my time in his classes. Sincere condolences to Colleen & family. He will be missed.

Mr. McGrath taught me Shakespeare for 3 years.  From the very first day of Julius Caesar, my life was changed.  I carry with me a love of all of his work because of this man.  After I became a teacher, I did my very best to pass this on to every high school student I taught.  To this day Shakespeare and what I learned under Mr. McGrath helps guide my life. “Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war.”

Mr. McGrath shared his passion for English and Shakespeare with so many students and in the process changed lives. I can still remember sitting in one of his IB English classes behind April when she intentional mis-pronounced ‘circumscribe’ while reading from Hamlet. His sense of humor did not fail any of us that day. His passion for the written word will stay with me forever. To April, Rachelle, and the rest of the McGrath family, I send you my deepest condolences. Little C - I can only imagine your heartbreak at the loss of Big C. Sending you all of my love, support, and hugs in this extraordinarily difficult time.

Our thoughts & prayers are with your family and this sad time. May he rest in peace. 

Derrick&Norma Murphy

OBITUARY

Cyril Patrick McGrath

12 April, 1953 – 22 October, 2023

T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services